UN to resume debate on Arms Trade Treaty, US Gun association opposes

December 29, 2012

The U.N. General Assembly voted in favor of resuming debate on a draft international Arms Trade treaty to regulate the $70 billion global trade in conventional arms. The US has voted in favor as it was under tremendous pressure after December 15 shooting massacre of 20 children and six educators at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. The negotiations will start in March 2013.

Why such a treaty is required? Why NRA is opposing the treaty? Who are the top six arm-exporting nations?

Why such a treaty is required?

The global trade in conventional weapons – from warships and battle tanks to fighter jets and machine guns – remains poorly regulated. No internationally binding standards exist to ensure that arms are transferred responsibly.

Many Governments around the world are concerned about the absence of globally agreed rules to guide their decisions on arms transfers. In 2006, they have embarked on a preparatory process to negotiate a robust legally binding instrument to establish high common standards for international trade in conventional arms. This process paved the way for the United Nations Conference on an Arms Trade Treaty that was held in July 2012 at the United Nations in New York. The negotiations, despite all efforts, failed to reach a consensus. To reach an agreement, it was decided to resume the debate in March 2013.

Why NRA is opposing the treaty?

The move is being opposed by powerful U.S. National Rifle Association (NRA) which does not want any compromise in the constitutional right of American to own bear arms. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right to bear arms. the pact could require the U.S. government to enact legislation to implement it, which the NRA fears could lead to tighter restrictions on gun ownership.

Who are the top six arm-exporting nations?